Monday, December 18, 2006

Knicks/Nuggets Brawl

The NBA suffered a black eye over the weekend, with the ugly Knicks/Nuggets brawl. Suspensions are expected today. Knicks Coach Isiah Thomas was involved in the atmosphere that led to the brawl, and even warned Carmelo Anthony and Marcus Camby that they 'shouldn't have been in the game' at the late stages of the blowout. The NBA's treatment of Thomas and the others will indicate how seriously the league takes fighting in the post-Pacers/Pistons era.

The Knicks have struggled through several difficult seasons and with their current roster and salary cap limitations, there appears to be little light at the end of the tunnel. Isiah, the man who as GM put the team together, and is now also coaching, has been criticized on all fronts. His frustrations may have boiled over on Saturday, and he did not apologize yesterday (unlike Denver's Carmelo Anthony.)

The prediction: Thomas gets a suspension as long as any player who threw a punch. Best guess: 8 games.